Upshur County Democratic Party Chairman Dan Miles Jr. told local members of his party Monday night that one of the candidates for its nomination for U.S. Senate — Kesha Rogers — "is not recognized or accepted as a Democrat."

Ms. Rogers opposes Dr. David Alameel, who recently campaigned here, in the party's May 27 statewide runoff. The winner faces Republican incumbent John Cornyn in November.

"The Democratic Party is not — n-o-t — supporting Rogers," Miles told the audience of seven persons (counting a reporter) at Lori's Eats and Sweets. He said she had "turned on us" and "you never know what her stance is" because "she's always smiling and laughing when she's talking."

As for the only other race on the Democratic runoff ballot, state Commissioner of Agriculture, Miles said "the party is leaning toward, God help us, Kinky Friedman," who opposes Jim Hogan. Miles noted Friedman has run for various offices.

Miles said the "candidate we really wanted" for the post finished third in the March 4 primary.

The group also discussed how the party, which drew only 288 Upshur County voters in its primary, could become stronger in the county. Less than 20 years ago, Democrats held every Upshur County elective office, but will hold none by Jan. 1 as the only two remaining Democratic officeholders did not seek reelection this year.

Miles said Ore City had the most Democratic primary voters of any box with 57, but that some precincts only had two Democratic voters. And "I had a minimum of two clerks per precinct."

"We need to do better," he said. "We're going to have to do some telephoning" for the November general election as "our main objective. . .(is) get people back in the habit of voting."

Other suggestions from the audience for strengthening the party included knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, and writing a "county plan."

Winifred Jackson suggested obtaining mail-in ballots for senior citizens, who along with the disabled can now apply to the County Clerk's Office for permanent mailed ballots. "Put the stamp on it and let them (senior citizens) mail it," Ms. Jackson suggested.

Miles, a minister, said he would work with churches on procuring Democratic votes as "looking through the voter rolls, I didn't like the names I didn't see."

Ms. Jackson noted that the Texas State Teachers Assn. had endorsed the Democratic nominee for Governor, Wendy Davis, and the party's nominee for Lieutenant Governor, Leticia Van Putte. Ms. Van Putte will hold a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the CWAIVE Union Hall at 13146 Hwy. 110 South in Tyler, Miles noted.